In preparing for a job interview it is important to list questions and plan your answers ahead of time. Jot down some of the possible questions. Then boost your confidence by figuring out the best answer. There are ten interview questions that oftentimes are the downfall of job seekers, especially if they are caught off guard. These top ten questions are ideal to be used when practicing for a job interview. The top ten questions are:

1. What are your weaknesses?

The best way to answer this question is to minimize your weakness and emphasize on your strengths. Mention professional traits that you deem as your weakness rather than concentrating on negative personal qualities. Likewise, it would be best to mention that you are doing something to improve yourself professionally in order to correct your weakness.

2. Why should we hire you?

This is another overwhelming question that can make any interviewee panic. An ideal way to handle this question is to start by summarizing your working experiences which may be important to the company. Remember to be confident and show that you really are looking forward to becoming a part of the company.

3. Why do you want to work in our company?

The purpose of the interviewer for asking such a question is to make certain that you as the applicant are really interested in the job and not just simply applying because there is a job opening. As an applicant, you have to convince the interviewer that you are serious and very much interested in the job you are applying for, and make sure you’ve done your research on the company prior to the interview.

4. What are your goals? Or where do you see yourself five years from now?

It is better to answer this question with reference to short-term and intermediate goals rather than talking about some distant future. It is also advised to involve the company in discussing your professional goals. For instance, say that you see yourself as becoming a part of the company and helping it in achieving its goals and missions. Most interviewers asked this type of question to gain insight into the real motive of an applicant since there are some applicants who will just make a company their training ground and leave after gaining experience. 

5. Why did you leave or why are you leaving your current job?

This is another question used to weigh professionalism. It also shows the ability of an applicant to stay on a job. As an applicant it is not nice to say anything negative about your current or previous employer since it may reflect badly on you. This will also create a “big question” in the mind of the interviewer on why you are making such discriminatory remarks regarding your previous job. To prevent falling into this trap just say that you are looking for additional opportunities to enhance further your professional knowledge.

6. When were you most satisfied with your job?

Again, be very careful in answering this type of question since this will reflect a lot about you as a potential employee. A not-so-convincing answer may cause you to lose the chance of getting that job you want. Try to answer this question without any prejudice to your previous job, and concentrate more on discussing things that motivate you professionally. This will create the impression that you are a good employee since you refrain from creating any bad remarks regarding your previous employer. This will also provide your future employer with ideas on how to motivate their employees.

7. What can you do for us that other candidates cannot offer?

Some applicants usually go blank when asked this question for fear that they may answer inadequately. Be confident and concentrate on discussing your positive traits and work qualifications that you deem as important and relevant to the job you are applying for.

8. What three positive things would your last boss say about you?

Simply tell them of your positive traits. Both as a person and as an employee which is noticed not only by your previous employer but likewise by your co-employees. Think of positive remarks that your previous boss may have told you and read through any performance-related assessments you may have had for inspiration.

9. How much salary are you seeking? Or how much salary are you expecting?

When an interviewer asks you your salary requirements, it usually means they are considering hiring you. Some employers would even ask about your salary history from your previous jobs. This will provide them with an idea of how much you would consider asking from them. A safe way of answering such a question is to ask for a salary that is similar or close to what you were previously receiving. Or simply tell them that joining their team is most important so you are open to exploring whatever salary they believe is fair based on your skills and abilities.

10. If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?

This question is geared more toward knowing the personality that you have. Try to think of animals that are not harmful. But rather exhibit good qualities that match the type of position you are applying for. For more career advice, check out our blog!